The data is in. When dads are actively involved in their children’s lives, they have a positive overall impact on that child’s development and wellbeing.

Here are some of the highlights:

The Children’s Trust has been a leader on father engagement in the family support field. That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services looked to our Fatherhood Initiative [link] when they wanted to highlight a model that other family support programs could learn from. Their 11-minute documentary, “Dads Rock”, shows how our Healthy Families program, Fathers and Family Networks, and community-based dads groups elevate the importance of engaging dads in the work of strengthening families.

For over two decades our Fatherhood Initiative has worked to advance evidence-based programs and trainings that support fathers, their families, and the professionals who work with them.

This weekend, we are celebrating fatherhood with a special brunch honoring R. Robert Popeo with the annual Governor Paul Cellucci Fatherhood Award.

The award is named in honor of the late Governor Paul Cellucci who, while Governor, led the Commonwealth's efforts to ensure that all fathers receive the support, skills, and confidence they need to be great fathers.

There’s a lot to celebrate – a myriad of positive changes in father involvement and father engagement. And there’s a lot of work to be done to ensure that all fathers get the support they need to thrive in their important role. Here’s to the dads and the people who work to support them!